The Al-Anabi Racing Team and His Highness Sheik Khalid Al Thani

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

23^rd Annual Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals

Infineon Raceway; Sonoma, Calif.

Post-Event Wrap-Up

Top Fuel Winner– Larry Dixon                   

Qualifying:  Larry Dixon was the No. 1 qualifier at Sonoma.  It was his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 45^th of his career.  Dixon’s qualifying pass of record happened during the first round of qualifying on Friday when he recorded 3.839-second pass at 317.79 mph.  Friday night’s qualifying session was cancelled due to the Infineon Raceway 10 p.m. curfew. 

Eliminations: Dixon defeated Steve Chrisman, Steve Torrence, Cory McClenathan and Tony Schumacher on his way the winner’s circle. It was Dixon’s eighth win in 15 races this season.  Dixon is undefeated in his eight final rounds this season.  He is a perfect 20-0 in eliminations when competing as the No. 1 qualifier, as he was today. Today’s win was the 56^th of Dixon’s career.

Unofficial Point Standings: Dixon remains the leader in the NHRA Top Fuel point standings.  He leads second-place Tony Schumacher by 211 points.

Dixon on Sonoma: “The Al-Anabi car was flawless today.  It was an unbelievable job by Alan, Jason (Team Manager Alan Johnson and Crew Chief Jason McCulloch) and the whole Al-Anabi team.  The numbers we ran today were almost humbling; the Al-Anabi team was on its game today.  You know when you race Tony Schumacher that he’ll keep you honest, and they don’t stumble often.  I enjoy racing them because when you win, it’s gratifying because they make you earn it. I have a great amount of respect for Tony.  He’s a great driver and a great champion.”

Funny Car – Del Worsham

Qualifying:    Del Worsham was the No. 6 qualifier at Sonoma with a 4.152-second pass at 301.27 mph.  Worsham made his best pass during the final round of qualifying on Saturday.

Eliminations: Worsham lost to Matt Hagan in the first round of eliminations.

Unofficial Point Standings: Worsham will remain ninth in the NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car point standings.  He trails eighth-place Ashley Force Hood by 66 and leads 10^th-place Tony Pedregon by 160 points.

Worsham on Sonoma:

“The Al-Anabi Toyota team didn’t get the result we wanted this weekend, but we are still moving in the right direction. Because of our qualifying effort, we have increased our lead on 10^th place in the points, and with just two races left before the Countdown begins, that’s big news. Everyone on the Al-Anabi team is just as focused as we have been, and we’ll be ready to go when we roll into Denver next weekend.”

Next Race: The Al-Anabi Racing team will be back in action July 23-25 at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver, Colo. For additional information, please visit www.nhra.com.